Summit County Citizens Voice

The FDA is proposing new sunscreen labeling rules. FDA/Zebulon Rogerson.

New system would rate how effectively sunscreen blocks harmful UVA rays

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Just in time for the summer vacation, the FDA is revamping its labeling rules for sunscreen to give consumers more accurate information about how well various products protect against the sun’s harmful rays.

The new rules would include a four-star rating system that would inform consumers how effectively the products block ultraviolet A (UVA) light. Labeling would also include information on other ways people can limit their risks to dangers posed by overexposure to sunlight.

As part of the changes, the FDA is doing more education to help people understand the effects of solar radiation. Both UVA and UVB are types of ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun.The atmosphere’s ozone layer blocks most of this radiation, the UV light that gets through can cause problems.

UVB light is primarily responsible for sunburn. UVA light penetrates the skin more than UVB light does, and causes tanning. Both types of UV light contribute to premature skin aging, skin cancer, and other types of skin damage.

Currently, sunscreen labels are required to carry a Sunburn Protection Factor (SPF) value that informs potential users how well the product protects against UVB light.

Under the proposed regulation, a UVA star rating would be prominently displayed on sunscreen labels, near the SPF rating.

“For more than 30 years, consumers have been able to identify the level of UVB protection provided by sunscreens using only sunburn protection factor or SPF values,” FDA commissioner Dr. Andrew C. von Eschenbach said in a press release. “Under this proposal, “consumers will also now know the level of UVA protection in sunscreens, which will help them make informed decisions about protecting themselves and their children against the harmful effects of the sun.”

The proposed UVA rating system:
•    One star will represent low UVA protection
•    Two stars, medium protection
•    Three stars, high protection
•    Four stars, the highest UVA protection available in an over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreen product.
•    If a sunscreen product does not rate at least one star, FDA is proposing that its labeling bear a “no UVA protection” marking on the front label, near the SPF value.

In addition to the new rating system, FDA wants sunscreen labels to advise consumers that using a sunscreen is just one way they can protect themselves against the sun. Limiting time in the sun and wearing protective clothing as part of a comprehensive sun protection regimen are other recommendations that would be prominently displayed on labels. Using sunscreens liberally and reapplying frequently would also be advised.

The FDA also wants to make changes regarding protection against UVB light. The agency has proposed amending its existing rule on UVB products to increase the maximum sunburn protection factor from SPF 30+ to SPF 50+.

The proposed rule is asking the public to comment on the use of nanoparticle ingredients in sunscreens, and is proposing to make minor changes in SPF testing procedures consistent with current science, to further enhance the accuracy of SPF values. The new rule would also allow new combinations of active ingredients.

There has been a lively scientific debate about the use of nanoparticles in sunscreen. For more information, read these articles in Scientific American:

Do Nanoparticles and Sunscreen Mix?: Scientific American

Nanoparticles in Sunscreen Damage Microbes: Scientific American

Filed under: Environment, Health, seasons, Summit County Colorado, Summit County news Tagged: | FDA sunscreen labels, Food and Drug administration, skin cancer, Summit County Colorado, Summit County News, Sunburn, sunscreen effectiveness, sunscreen nanoparticles, Ultraviolet, UVA, UVB